Whistleblowers

DOJ Files First Complaint Under the Civil Cyber-Fraud Initiative

September 16, 2024 | Posted By: Jessica Hoyer Estes

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DOJ Joins Whistleblower’s False Claims Act Lawsuit Against Georgia Tech Over Cybersecurity Failures Late last month, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) filed a lawsuit against the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech), accusing it of not meeting cybersecurity requirements for U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) contracts. This is part of DOJ’s Civil Cyber-Fraud Initiative […]

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Hoyer Law Group Whistleblower Helps to Attain $106.8 Million False Claims Act Settlement

September 13, 2024 | Posted By: Jessica Hoyer Estes

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Hoyer Law Group, in partnership with counsel from Waters Kraus Paul & Siegelis, is pleased to announce its involvement in a False Claims Act case against Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc., which led to a settlement in excess of $100 million. Walgreens to Pay $106.8 Million for False Claims Act Violations Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc. and […]

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False Claims Act Update: Key Developments Whistleblowers Need to Know

September 09, 2024 | Posted By: Emma Doull

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If you are a whistleblower or considering becoming one, staying updated on recent legal changes affecting the False Claims Act (FCA) is crucial. The FCA is a powerful tool that allows private citizens to expose fraud against the government and potentially receive a portion of any recovered funds. Recent court cases and legal challenges could […]

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Understanding the New DOJ Whistleblower Program: An Overview

August 12, 2024 | Posted By: Emma Doull

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The Department of Justice (DOJ) recently introduced a new whistleblower program, designed to incentivize individuals to report corporate misconduct not covered by other existing programs. This blog will provide an overview of this program, its goals, and some concerns it has raised. The DOJ Whistleblower Program On August 1, 2024, the DOJ launched a three-year […]

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How a Higher Bar Could Impact Whistleblowers in False Claims Act Cases

July 31, 2024 | Posted By: Emma Doull

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In a recent oral argument, the First Circuit Court hinted at a higher standard for proving cases under the False Claims Act (FCA), particularly those involving the Anti-Kickback Statute. This potential change has significant implications for whistleblowers and the government’s ability to prosecute these cases effectively. Understanding the False Claims Act and Anti-Kickback Statute The […]

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Understanding the End of Chevron Deference and Its Impact

July 01, 2024 | Posted By: Emma Doull

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On June 28, 2024, the Supreme Court made a landmark decision to overturn a judicial principle known as the “Chevron Deference.” This change could have substantial implications for various areas of law, including False Claims Act whistleblower cases and federal employee protections. Let’s delve into what happened, why it matters, and what it means for […]

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Hoyer Law Group Helps Secure $1.3 Million Settlement in False Claims Act Case

June 25, 2024 | Posted By: Hoyer Law Group, PLLC

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Hoyer Law Group, in partnership with co-counsel Donna MacKenzie of Olsman MacKenzie Peacock & Wallace, is pleased to announce a significant settlement in a False Claims Act case against Averhealth. The case, involving allegations of fraudulent drug testing practices, has resulted in a settlement of over $1.3 million. The Department of Justice’s press release details […]

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Combating SBA Fraud: New Rule Bars Self-Certification for SDVOSBs

June 06, 2024 | Posted By: Emma Doull

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Fraud within the Small Business Administration (SBA) programs has long been a concern, particularly within the Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs) sector. This blog delves into the rampant fraud issues and explores the significant changes in the certification process aimed at curbing these abuses. Understanding the Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Program The SDVOSB program is […]

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What Is The Whistleblower Protection Act?

June 05, 2024 | Posted By: Hoyer Law Group, PLLC

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The Whistleblower Protection Act of 1989, 5 U.S.C. 2302(b)(8)-(9), Pub.L. 101-12 as amended (“WPA”), is a United States federal law that protects federal whistleblowers who work for the government and report the possible existence of an activity constituting a violation of law, rules, or regulations, or mismanagement, gross waste of funds, abuse of authority or […]

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DOJ Renews Focus on Medicare Advantage Plan Fraud in 2024

February 26, 2024 | Posted By: Jessica Hoyer Estes

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False Claims Act (“FCA”) settlements reached record-breaking numbers in fiscal year 2023. The majority of the settled FCA actions involved the healthcare industry, with $1.8 billion attributed to settlements related to managed care providers, hospitals, pharmacies, laboratories, long-term acute care facilities and physicians. 2023 Medicare Advantage Case Resolutions Based on the 2023 FCA results, the […]

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Anti-Kickback Causation Standard Leads to Circuit Split

February 13, 2024 | Posted By: Jessica Hoyer Estes

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A split continues among the federal appellate courts on the proper causation standard to apply in False Claims Act (“FCA”) cases that are based on the Anti-Kickback Statute “AKS”). The split between courts is set to expand into the First Circuit, which will hear an interlocutory appeal to address the AKS/Causation standard. The case being […]

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New Areas of Fraud Emerge Due to the Expansion of Telehealth

November 16, 2023 | Posted By: Jessica Hoyer Estes

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New Areas of Fraud Emerge Due to the Expansion of Telehealth What is Telehealth? Telehealth/telemedicine allows your doctor to provide care without an in-person office visit. Telehealth is primarily done online on patients’ computers, tablets, or smartphones. Legitimate Forms of Telehealth Talking to a doctor live over the phone or video chat Sending and receiving […]

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